John Byrnes

John Byrnes has extensive work experience in various roles within the technology, media, and finance sectors. In 1988, they started their career at KPMG Peat Marwick's Corporate Finance Group, where they led and participated in evaluating and negotiating corporate finance transactions. John then moved on to GE Capital Corporation's Card Services Division, where they served as Senior Vice President of Business Development, leading acquisition and equity investment activities.

In 2000, John joined Citizen Electronic Media as Director of Business Development before transitioning to Eastman Kodak Company's Entertainment Imaging Division. At Kodak, they held the positions of Director and Vice President of Finance and Director of Corporate Business Development, overseeing financial management activities and implementing the division's digital growth strategy.

From 2012 to 2015, John served as Principal Investor and Finance/Operations Lead at Geek & Sundry, a YouTube-funded premium digital channel, where they transformed the brand into a global multi-platform media company. John then became a member of the AI Screening Committee at Keiretsu Forum, a global investment community, from 2016 to 2021.

In 2017, John co-founded Ai Collaborator, Inc., a unique partnering platform that helps companies discover and deploy artificial intelligence innovations. John served as Co-Founder and later as Co-Chief Executive Officer until 2019. Additionally, in 2008, they co-founded Intelligent Life Media, a full-service digital media services and consulting business.

John's most recent work experience includes founding Silicon Valley Nexus, a San Francisco-based advisory firm that assists companies in harnessing startup innovation for business growth. John currently holds the role of Founder and CEO. In 2022, they also co-founded DanceGames, a virtual global dance convention aimed at inspiring and improving dancers' craft.

Throughout their career, John has demonstrated expertise in strategic partnerships, financial management, startup relations, and deal sourcing and evaluation.

John Byrnes completed their undergraduate education at Stanford University, where they pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French Literature from 1983 to 1986. Afterward, they attended Columbia Business School from 1986 to 1988, earning their Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in Finance and Marketing. Prior to Stanford, John attended Phillips Academy from 1980 to 1983, although the specific degree or field of study is not mentioned. Additionally, John studied French Language and Literature at Université Paris-Sorbonne for a year from 1984 to 1985. In terms of additional certifications, in 2017, John obtained several certifications from Coursera, including Content, Advertising & Social IMC, Customer Analytics, Entrepreneurship 4: Financing and Profitability, Introduction to Marketing, Introduction to Virtual Reality, Engagement & Nurture Marketing Strategies, Entrepreneurship 3: Growth Strategies, New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs, The Importance of Listening, Entrepreneurship 1: Developing the Opportunity, Entrepreneurship 2: Launching your Start-Up, and What is Social?.